The White House is in no rush to mediate a deal to end the government shutdown, lacking any urgency to help lawmakers reach an agreement as pressure increases on both parties to solve the stand off.

President Trump has had no direct communication with top Democrats since the shutdown began nearly one month ago. In fact, Trump and his top aides feel like Democrats have no good way out and the administration has made no qualms about using agency messaging to politically blame the opposing party for disrupting government operations.

Trump, meanwhile, has seen his approval largely hold steady as he pursues his agenda unabated.

During past shutdowns, the president would typically look to stay above the fray or help lawmakers reach a deal to reopen the government. But political watchers say Trump has no incentive to do so.

“If you’re the White House, there is zero benefit to bending. Zero. It doesn’t make sense for him ever to get involved in this situation,” said one source close to Trump world.

And while Trump is hardly engaging with lawmakers, congressional leadership on both sides of the aisle also appear to be at a standstill with most discussions on Capitol Hill happening more among the rank-and-file.

That became apparent again when the Senate on Tuesday failed to reopen the federal government for the 13th time, as the shutdown hit the four-week mark. Meanwhile,........

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